Oswego State and SUNY Cortland played to a 1-1 tie in the first of four meetings this season. SUNY Cortland went up early in the second period with a goal from yesterday’s player to watch, Katie DeVoe, who now has four goals to lead the Red Dragons.

The Lakers scored the equalizer late in the second period on a goal from Emma Morisette. Neither team was able to score in the third period or overtime, ending the game at a 1-1 tie.

SUNY Cortland looked ready to play. Having not won a game against the Lakers since 2014, the Red Dragons had nothing to lose. They came out fast and aggressive and even outshot the Lakers. Victoria Gibson stopped 19 of the 20 shots she faced for SUNY Cortland.

It was a much different game for Oswego State. The Lakers came out flat in their first home game of the season. They were only able to put 20 shots on goal, which has been a problem since league play began. Rachael Farmer was once again solid in net. This time against her former team, Farmer stopped 21 of the 22 shots she faced. She also came up with a huge save with traffic in front of the net and only 29 seconds remaining in the game. Farmer kept the Lakers in the game, but their offense gave her no help.

Tonight represents the second meeting of the two teams. This time, the game will be played at SUNY Cortland. The Lakers outscored the Red Dragons 5-1 last season in the two games played at SUNY Cortland.

By The Numbers

Record (Conference)

OSW: 4-0-1 (2-0-1)

COR: 2-3-2 (0-3-2)

Goals (Per Game)

OSW: 19 (3.8)

COR: 9 (1.29)

Shots (Per Game)

OSW: 233 (46.6)

COR: 169 (24.1)

Power Play (Percentage)

OSW: 2-19 (10.5%)

COR: 3-22 (13.6%)

Keys to the Game

Oswego State

The Lakers need to come out fast tonight. Their skating was sluggish and their passes were sloppy for the majority of the first two periods last night. Once the game was seemingly on the line, Oswego State picked up the pace. Head coach Diane Dillon has to get the team to come out with that same energy seen toward the end of last nights’ game. Attack the net, and avoid bad passes and penalties within the offensive zone. SUNY Cortland is not going to score a lot. The Lakers just need to match the Red Dragons’ energy.

SUNY Cortland

The Red Dragons need to play a full 60 minutes (or maybe 65 minutes like last night). SUNY Cortland came fast out of the gate, but then looked tired after scoring early in the second period. The Red Dragons peppered 12 shots in the first period, but this was followed by three in the second, six in the third, and only one shot in the overtime period. With the Lakers most likely coming out angry tonight, SUNY Cortland will need to finish the game tonight.

Players to Watch

OSW: Emma Morisette

Morisette was able to score the Lakers only goal on Friday. That was just her second goal on the young season after totalling five in her Freshman year. If the Lakers want season-long success this year, Morisette will be a huge part of that. She seemed to be everywhere on the ice last night, and tonight could be another big night for her.

COR: Katie DeVoe

DeVoe was the key for SUNY Cortland last night, and it is difficult to not pick her once again. She notched the Red Dragons only goal in the tie, but once again served two penalty minutes. SUNY Cortland has struggled mightily to score, and they will need DeVoe on the ice as much as possible tonight.

Final Thoughts

Tonight is a huge measuring test for both teams. For SUNY Cortland, it is another chance to go toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the NEWHL and prove it belongs. For Oswego State, is has questions to answer on the offensive end. After the 15-goal first weekend, the Lakers have only scored four goals their last three games. Something has to be done on the offensive end of things for Oswego State.

In goal, most questions have been answered for Oswego State. Rachael Farmer has posted a .988 save percentage in three games for the Lakers. The only question is whether or not Dillon will start Farmer a second-straight game as she faces her former team in SUNY Cortland. Farmer stood on her head at SUNY Cortland in her two seasons there and should receive a warm welcome from SUNY Cortland fans.

Oswego State has to burst out of the gates. They have not scored a first-period goal since their second game of the season against Wilkes University. Expect the Lakers to respond big-time tonight on the road.

Photo: Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian